Sponsors are being invited to get involved with this year’s conference. Despite the fact that last year’s was somewhat curtailed by social distancing regulations, the benefits of staging a virtual alternative have paid off for The Like Me CIC as the reach of the organisation has gone far beyond Bedfordshire, with women nationwide able to join in. How the roadmap out of the pandemic works out will determine how this year’s conference, on Saturday, June 26, will look but even when it’s possible for group events again, Jasmine is hopeful that the national audience will stay with her. “It’s been such a tough year for so many people,


particularly women, and a lot are struggling and we’re hoping to get as many people involved as possible, including those who want to support us with sponsorship,” she said. “I’m really excited about this year’s event and seeing what it will look like. In the past we’ve done talks, poetry sessions, workshops, self-defence, had live vocalists, all kinds of things and we are looking forward to introducing new things. “Although it will be nice for us all to meet in


themselves and have the confi dence to move forward, I’m using my personal experience, not just my professional skills. “Our fi rst conference was in 2019, then we had to go online last year


because of coronavirus restrictions, and we’re hoping that this year the event will be a hybrid, with some of us getting together while at the same time having a virtual event that anyone can join in with, wherever they are.”


Other than the annual conference, which this year has as its theme Rising From The Ashes, The Like Me CIC runs courses in wellbeing, self-development, empowerment and employability, as well as guest speaker events and workshops. Typically, those turning to The Like Me CIC, which runs courses for women and girls, have low self-worth and may have endured abuse, bullying, exploitation, family conflict and violence and common health disorders such as anxiety, depression and stress. “T rough our courses and our speakers, we aim


to give women the confi dence to grow and celebrate themselves and achieve their goals,” said Jasmine. “Almost every woman you speak to has been through some issue that they have had to learn to deal with, either in their private life or their professional life, and if they can talk about their achievements and success, then they can inspire others. “But we also tell people that a moment of


inspiration has to be followed by perspiration, and so we help them to build on what they have learned and focus on what they need to do and hopefully help them get there.”


ALL THINGS BUSINESS 37


person again, I don’t think we’ll ever go back to how we were. We want to stay open so women all over the UK can get together to face up to their issues, in a safe space where they don’t feel any shame or negativity and where they will be listened to and helped.”


Details of the Rising From The Ashes event will be available soon, along with ticket information at www.thelikemecic.org.uk where you can register your interest. Details of sponsorship opportunities are available from hello@thelikemecic.org.uk, while full details of the organisation and its work can be found at the website


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